‏ Matthew 21

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

This section describes how Jesus entered Jerusalem as King, fulfilling prophecy and showing his authority. The event is known as the Triumphal Entry. Crowds welcomed him with praise, using palm branches and cries of “Hosanna,” but many did not fully understand who he was or the kind of king he would be. This entry marks the beginning of the final week of Jesus’s earthly ministry, leading up to his crucifixion.

v. 1: When Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. This shows Jesus’s careful planning and the importance of what was about to happen. Everything that would occur in the coming days was part of God’s plan.

v. 2: Jesus instructed the two disciples, “Go into the village ahead of you. You will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to me.” Jesus knew exactly where the animals were, showing his divine knowledge. The use of a donkey was important because it fulfilled what was written by the prophets.

v. 3: He told them, “If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This shows that Jesus is in control and that even the owners of the donkey will cooperate. It also shows that Jesus is called “the Lord,” a title of authority.

v. 4: This happened to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey’” (Zechariah 9:9 ^a). Jesus’s entry on a donkey showed he was a peaceful king, not a warrior king.

v. 5: The prophecy is quoted to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah. His kingdom is not about military power but about peace and salvation. The people were to recognize their king coming in humility.

v. 6: The disciples went and did as Jesus instructed. This shows their obedience and trust in his words, even if they did not fully understand the meaning.

v. 7: They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on the cloaks. This was a sign of honor, showing respect to Jesus as a king.

v. 8: A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from trees and spread them on the road. This was a way to welcome a king or important person, showing celebration and respect.

v. 9: The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Psalm 118:26 ^b). These words mean “Save us now!” and show that the people saw Jesus as the promised Savior from David’s family.

v. 10: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The arrival of Jesus caused excitement and confusion among the people. Many were curious about him, but not everyone understood who he really was.

v. 11: The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” They recognized Jesus as a great prophet, but many did not yet understand that he was the Messiah and the Son of God.

The Profaners of the Temple Punished

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he did not go to the palace or court, but straight to the temple. This shows that his kingdom is spiritual, not political. Jesus came to rule in the things of God, and his authority is seen most clearly in the temple. In this passage, Jesus acts as a reformer, cleansing the temple from corruption and restoring its true purpose.

v. 12: Jesus drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. This was not the first time he did this (John 2:14-15 ^c). The temple had become a marketplace, with people using religion for personal gain. Jesus showed his authority and power by clearing the temple, even though many people made money from these activities. He wanted the temple to be a place for worship, not for business or greed (1 Timothy 6:5 ^d).

v. 13: Jesus explained his actions by quoting scripture: It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11 ^e). He reminded everyone that the temple was meant for prayer and worship, not for dishonest business. When people use religion to hide their wrong actions, it is a serious offense to God. Jesus wanted to restore the temple to its true purpose.

v. 14: After cleansing the temple, Jesus welcomed the blind and the lame, and he healed them there. This shows that God’s house is meant to be a place of mercy and help for those in need. Jesus honored the temple by turning it into a place of healing, not profit. Even those who were not allowed in royal palaces were welcome in God’s house (2 Samuel 5:8 ^f).

v. 15-16: The chief priests and scribes were angry when they saw the wonderful things Jesus did and heard the children shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David. They complained to Jesus about the children’s praises. But Jesus accepted their praise and quoted scripture: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise (Psalm 8:2 ^g). Jesus showed that even children can honor God, and their praise is valuable. He was pleased with their worship, even when the religious leaders were not.

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v. 17: After this, Jesus left the city and went to Bethany. He left the leaders who rejected him and chose a quieter place to stay. This shows that when people refuse to honor Jesus, he may withdraw his presence. Jesus was not proud because of the crowds’ praise, but remained humble and focused on his mission.

The Barren Fig-Tree Cursed

This passage tells the story of Jesus cursing a fig tree because it had leaves but no fruit. This miracle is a lesson about God’s justice and power. Jesus uses this event to teach his disciples about the dangers of having only an outward appearance of faith, and the importance of real fruit in our lives. It also shows the great power of faith and prayer.

v. 18: Early in the morning, Jesus returned to Jerusalem. Even though he knew people there wanted to harm him, he did not let fear stop him from doing his work. Like Jesus, we should not let trouble or rejection keep us from our purpose (Acts 20:22 ^h).

v. 19: As Jesus was walking, he became hungry and saw a fig tree with leaves. When he found no fruit on it, he said, Let no fruit grow on you ever again. The tree withered at his word. This is a picture of people who only pretend to be godly but do not truly follow God. Jesus expects real fruit, not just an outward show. If there is only the appearance of faith and not real change, it leads to judgment. This also pointed to the people of Israel, who had many blessings but rejected Jesus. Their privileges were taken away when they did not believe (Matthew 24:32; Luke 13:6 ⁱ).

v. 20: The disciples were amazed at how quickly the fig tree withered. They saw that Jesus’ words had great power. Just as Jesus spoke and it happened, he can do all things, even what seems impossible to us. Sometimes God’s judgment works in a way that is sudden and invisible, but it is always certain.

v. 21-22: Jesus told his disciples that if they have faith and do not doubt, they can do even greater things than this. He said, If you have faith and do not doubt... if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed,' it will be done (Zechariah 14:4 ^j). Jesus teaches that nothing is impossible for God, and we should trust his promises even when things seem difficult. Jesus also says, Whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Faith and prayer go together. When we pray with real faith, God hears and answers us—nothing is too hard for him.

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Christ Questioned as to His Authority

In this passage, Jesus is questioned by the religious leaders about the authority by which he teaches and acts. This confrontation reveals their hostility and unwillingness to accept the truth. Jesus wisely responds to their challenge, exposing their hypocrisy and avoiding their trap. This interaction shows how Jesus’ wisdom silenced his enemies and defended his mission.

v. 23: When Jesus was teaching in the temple, the chief priests and elders came to him and asked, By what authority do you do these things? They wanted to know who gave him the right to teach, cleanse the temple, and receive public praise. Their question was not sincere—they sought to trap him. If Jesus claimed divine authority, they could accuse him of blasphemy; if he refused to answer, they could discredit him. These religious leaders, who should have supported the Messiah, were instead his greatest opponents (John 3:2 ^k).

v. 24-25: Jesus responded with his own question: The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? This wasn’t to avoid their question, but to make them consider their own hypocrisy. John the Baptist had testified about Jesus, so if they acknowledged John’s authority as divine, they would have to accept Jesus too. However, if they denied John’s authority, they feared the people, who believed John was a prophet (Acts 5:38-39 ^l).

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v. 26-27: The chief priests and elders discussed among themselves and decided to answer, We cannot tell. They were not truly ignorant, but refused to admit the truth because it would expose their rejection of both John and Jesus. Their answer revealed their dishonesty and fear of losing their influence. Jesus then said, Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. Since they would not answer honestly, Jesus did not give them an answer. Those who reject the truth they already know are not given more understanding (Romans 1:18-19 ^m).

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The Parable of the Two Sons

In this passage, Jesus tells a parable to confront the religious leaders who opposed him. By using a story, Jesus helps them see their own faults while teaching an important lesson about obedience. The parable compares two types of people: those who initially refuse to do God’s will but later repent, and those who promise to obey but fail to follow through. This parable highlights the importance of true repentance and action over empty words.

v. 28-29: Jesus begins with a question: What do you think? He tells of a father who asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son replies, I will not, but later changes his mind and goes to work. This son represents people who at first reject God’s call but later repent and obey. His initial response was disrespectful, but his actions showed true repentance. God welcomes those who turn from their sins and obey him, even if they were once far from him (1 Timothy 1:16 ⁿ).

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v. 30: The second son responds, I go, sir, but does not go to the vineyard. He gave a polite and respectful answer, but his actions did not match his words. This son represents people who make promises to God or appear religious, but fail to live according to their commitment. Saying the right words is not enough; God desires real obedience (Matthew 23:3 ^o).

v. 31: Jesus asks, Which of the two did the will of his father? The religious leaders answer, The first. Jesus then explains the meaning of the parable: the tax collectors and prostitutes, who were seen as sinners, are entering the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders. These “sinners” believed John the Baptist’s message, repented, and obeyed God, while the religious leaders, who claimed to follow God, rejected John’s preaching. True obedience is shown by actions, not just words (Ezekiel 18:21-24 ^p).

v. 32: Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their failure to believe John, even after seeing the repentance of the tax collectors and prostitutes. John came in the way of righteousness, teaching repentance and living a holy life, yet they refused to accept his message. The leaders were too proud to follow the example of those they looked down upon. Their stubbornness shows that it is harder for hypocrites, who rely on outward appearances, to repent than for open sinners who recognize their need for God (Psalm 10:4 ^q).

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

In this section, Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who plants a vineyard and rents it to some tenants. When the owner sends servants to collect his share of the fruit, the tenants beat and kill them. Finally, the owner sends his son, thinking they will respect him, but the tenants kill the son too. Jesus uses this story to warn the religious leaders of Israel that, because they have rejected God’s messengers and the Son, the kingdom will be taken from them and given to others who will be faithful. The parable shows God’s patience and justice, and the danger of rejecting His message.

v. 33: Jesus begins the parable: There was a householder, who planted a vineyard, set a hedge around it, dug a winepress, and built a tower. He rented it to some tenants and went to another country (Matthew 21:33 ^r). The landowner represents God, and the vineyard is Israel, God’s people. God did everything to care for and protect His people, giving them the law, the temple, and prophets. The tenants are the leaders of Israel, who are supposed to care for the people and give God the fruit of righteousness. God left them with responsibility, but expected them to be faithful stewards.

v. 34–36: When the harvest time comes, the owner sends servants to collect his share of the fruit. The tenants beat one servant, kill another, and stone a third. The owner sends more servants, but the tenants treat them the same way (Matthew 21:34-36 ^s). The servants represent the prophets God sent to Israel. Again and again, God sent messengers to call the people to righteousness, but they were rejected, mistreated, and even killed. This shows God’s patience, as He keeps giving His people chances, but they keep refusing.

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v. 37–39: Last of all, the owner sends his son, thinking, "They will respect my son." But when the tenants see the son, they say, "Here is the heir. Let’s kill him and take his inheritance." So they seize him, throw him out of the vineyard, and kill him (Matthew 21:37-39 ^t). The son is Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, sent to Israel. Instead of respecting Him, the religious leaders would reject and kill Him. This predicts Jesus’ own death at their hands.

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v. 40–41: Jesus asks, “When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” The listeners answer, “He will destroy those wicked men, and rent the vineyard to others who will give him the fruits in their seasons” (Matthew 21:40-41 ^u). The judgment is clear: God will punish those who rejected His messengers and His Son, and will give His kingdom to others who will be faithful—meaning the gospel will go to the Gentiles and to those who believe.

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v. 42: Jesus quotes Scripture, saying, The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes (Psalm 118:22-23; Matthew 21:42 ^v). He explains that He Himself is the rejected "stone," but He will become the foundation of God’s true people. The leaders rejected Jesus, but God will make Him the most important part of His plan.

v. 43–44: Jesus says, The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit (Matthew 21:43 ^w). Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken, but on whomever it falls, it will crush him (Matthew 21:44 ^x). This means that rejecting Jesus leads to judgment: those who stumble over Him will be broken, and those who oppose Him in the end will be destroyed by God’s judgment.

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v. 45–46: When the chief priests and Pharisees hear the parable, they realize Jesus is talking about them. They want to arrest Him, but they are afraid of the crowds, because the people see Jesus as a prophet (Matthew 21:45-46 ^y). The religious leaders understand the warning, but instead of repenting, they become more hostile, proving what Jesus said about them.

In summary, the parable teaches that God is patient and gives people many chances, but there is a limit to His patience. Those who reject Jesus and refuse to give God what He deserves will face judgment, but God’s work will still go on through those who accept and follow His Son.